Monday, April 28, 2008

Ireland were resolute in defence as they withstood a second half onslaught to beat host nation Canada 2-0 in their second Olympic qualifying match.

It sees the girls in green go temporarily top of the six team pool, following yesterday’s win over Malaysia, ahead of Italy on goal difference with Korea yet to play today.

Cathy McKean – celebrating her 100th cap – was given extra cause for jubilation when she opened the scoring in the 10th minute, getting a fantastic deflection on a low Nikki Symmons drag-flick to roof the ball.

Clare Parkhill scored her second in two games with a similar penalty corner switch move to her goal against Malaysia, battering the ball in from the top of the D.

It was a good return of two goals from three first-half corners to put Ireland in the box seat.Canada had most of the play in the second half but were unable to get past Mary Goode who was in top form. She produced three fine saves while Ireland’s best chance to improve their goal difference came from Eimear Cregan’s reverse stick shot which flew just over.

Ireland now rest for Monday before taking on bottom of the heap, Uruguay.

Hey Peter, many thanks for Link. I signed up and paid the tenner and following a few bets on KOR to beat ITA I'm up another 2.50! Not sure if they showed IRL v URU (as I was watching United) but I did get to see KOR v ITA. Fingers crossed for Thurs night. Thanks again.